Current state of industrial studies on
anti-missile systems in Europe (continued)

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Observation and warning: mastery of complex systems

Mr. GRICOURT (Matra Marconi Space, France). -

Trial EUROWISAT programme

For the mission of detecting missiles in the propelled stage, two basic satellite configurations are
possible: either a constellation of ten to twenty satellites in low orbit (solution suitable for
worldwide cover) or two geostationary satellites at an altitude of 36 000 km in a fixed position over
the area to be observed. In our case, we have a threat that is limited in extent and we propose a
more economical solution based on geostationary satellites. The following slide illustrates the
global coverage from the ground that is possible by using two geostationary satellites separated by
about 60_ (one satellite over Gabon, the other over the Sea of Oman). Three zones can be
distinguished, the two extremities (rectangles on the right and left) which correspond to simple
observations by each of the satellites. The central zone is covered by both satellites, making stereo
sighting possible. Inter alia, it will improve the system's detection performance.

Compared with the American programme, the complexity and performance of the proposed
solution are closer to those of DSP than of FEWS. The proposed satellite would be composed of
a Telecom-type three-axis stabilised platform and an optical payload using mosaic infrared sensors.
This configuration is well within Europe's reach at reasonable cost. It must be understood that,
whereas the Americans want to observe the whole world and, at the same time, be able to cope with
a strategic attack, all we want is a means capable of detecting tactical ballistic missiles in a far
smaller geographical area.

In terms of optical observation, the basic difficulty concerns the detection of plumes of liquid or
solid missiles on extremely variable surface backgrounds. As a result, there are difficult technical
problems relating to infrared sensors and the accuracy of the geostationary satellite's plotting.
The following slide illustrates a possible trial semi- operational satellite (stage 1.l) based on a future
experimental platform of a Telecom satellite. This geostationary satellite would accumulate, in
peacetime, enough data on surface backgrounds in infrared and on missiles (by observing firing
ranges) to make up for about fifteen years of lost time in this area and prove the worth of the
proposed technical concept. It would then allow the development of the entire operational stage
1-2 system.

The development logic illustrates the approach just described:

IR sensor activities must be launched in 1994: the first models would be mounted in the trial
optical payload at the end of 1997. The satellite platform, launched in 1995, would take this
payload on board at the beginning of 1999 for firing at the end of the same year. Work carried
out in orbit would be of direct benefit to the operational satellites due to be launched in 2005.

Mr. ROCHE (Director, Systemes Matra Defense, France). - Conclusion In conclusion, a
European system can be established progressively by allowing each European country to decide, at
each stage, to meet one or another of its requirements at European or national level in the light of
its own balance of cost and requirements. From the very first stage, these systems would be built
in such a way as to allow interoperability with United States systems in the best interests of national
forces, European forces as a whole and Atlantic Alliance forces as a whole.

Europe has all the know-how required to produce all or part of these systems, including
architecture and concept capabilities. We propose to make available to WEU this know- how and
our experience drawn from the Matra Group's research in international co-operation with the United
States and other countries, with Matra Marconi Space for space systems, with Matra Defense for
missile systems and with Matra Cap Systemes for C3I command systems.